This brown sugar glazed carrots recipe is an irresistible blend of sweet and savoury, making it an ideal side dish for any cozy meal or even a holiday dinner!
Even the most stubborn vegetable haters will love these brown sugar glazed carrots! The brown sugar creates a rich caramelised flavour that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the carrots, while a touch of salt enhances the savoury side. Vegan butter adds just the right amount of richness to these tender oven-roasted carrots—they’re SO good!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Cozy down home side dish. We don’t usually think of vegetables when we think of comfort food, but brown sugar glazed carrots might be the exception!
- Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, these brown sugar glazed carrots come together in a snap.
- Versatile. I love that this recipe is easy enough for a weekday, but it’s also delicious enough to serve for a holiday dinner alongside vegan mac and cheese and vegan cornbread.
- Kid-friendly. Children often have an aversion to vegetables, but these glazed carrots will change their minds! The sweet glaze makes them more appealing to kids who might otherwise turn their noses up at a plate of roasted carrots.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Carrots – You can use orange carrots or switch things up with other colours.
- Vegan butter – I like to use my homemade vegan butter.
- Olive oil
- Light brown sugar – You can use dark brown sugar if that’s all you have on hand, but I prefer the milder flavour of light brown sugar in this recipe.
- Kosher salt
- Cinnamon – Optional, but this will make your brown sugar glazed carrots taste even cozier!
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Season. Toss the carrots with all of the other ingredients in a large bowl.
- Bake. Transfer the carrots to a baking dish and bake in a 400ºF oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips for Success
- More room equals more caramelisation. The more air circulating between the carrots, the more they’ll brown on the pan. Use a baking sheet instead of a dish if you want the carrots more caramelised.
- Turn at the halfway point. After about 15 minutes, turn the carrots in the baking dish to ensure both sides get some nice browning.
- Use uniform pieces. Cutting the carrots into similar-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add some heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to introduce a spicy element to contrast with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Jazz them up with herbs. Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage instead of cinnamon.
- Use ginger. For a great Asian side dish replace the cinnamon with ground ginger.
- Swap in baby carrots. You can use baby carrots in place of whole carrots if you’d like. You don’t even have to cut them!
- Add parsnips. Swap half of the carrots for parsnips for a different take on this recipe.
What to Serve With Glazed Carrots
If you’re making these brown sugar glazed carrots as part of a plant-based holiday spread, pair them with other favourites like vegan buttermilk biscuits, vegan cheesy rice, and vegan Southern meatloaf.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer any leftover brown sugar glazed carrots to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the carrots in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also use the microwave.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze glazed carrots in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the instructions above.
More Vegan Side Dishes
- Southern Fried Cauliflower
- Corn Maque Choux
- Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Hot Water Cornbread
- Turnip Greens
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF/205ºC degrees. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the cut carrots in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the melted butter and oil over the carrots. Then add the brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the carrots.
- Place the carrots in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them after 15 minutes. The carrots should be fork tender when cooked.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- To get more caramelized carrots, spread them on a large baking sheet with space between the carrots. Follow the remaining directions.
- For a great Asian side dish replace the cinnamon with ground ginger.
- You can use baby carrots in place of cut carrots.
- To store: Transfer any leftover brown sugar glazed carrots to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the carrots in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also use the microwave.
- To freeze: You can freeze brown sugar glazed carrots in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the instructions above.